--- title: Home Generator Safety description: How to use a portable generator safely when you lose power at home during a Missouri storm --- ## Home Generator Safety - Posted on Monday, August 4, 2025 Storms or natural disasters in Missouri can have the ability to knock your power out for an extended period of time. During an outage, portable generators can offer temporary power, but there are potential risks associated with the use of these generators. Generators can be ​dangerous and can lead to illness, injury and even death if used improperly. ​​Whe​n using a portable generator, it is important to take precautions for your safety and the safety of those in your home. Follow these guidelines for safe generator use: - Read the manufacturer's safety and operating manual before using your generator. - Never leave your generator running when you are away from your home or business. - Check your generator regularly during operation. - Use caution when touching your generator as many areas become hot and can burn you. ## Be sure generator is connected correctly to avoid electrical hazards Electricity supplied by a generator has the same hazards as your regular utility-supplied electricity. You can face additional risks if your generator bypasses safety devices, such as circuit breakers, that are built into your electrical systems. Travelers recommends contacting an electrical contractor or the generator manufacturer for the proper installation of your generator. - Follow the manufacturer's instructions for properly grounding your generator to help avoid electrical shock. - Be sure your hands are dry and that you are not standing in water before touching the generator. - Never plug your generator into a wall outlet. - Plug appliances directly into the generator using manufacturer-specified cords or three-pronged extension cords with the proper amperage rating for the intended use. - Be aware that portable generators become hot while running and remain hot for a significant amount of time after they are shut down, creating a potential fire hazard. ## ​​​​​​​​​​​​Never operate a generator indoors Generators should not be operated indoors, in garages or basements, or near windows, vents or doors. Your generator should be kept well away from your home or business. A minimum distance of 25 feet is recommended; however, you should check your local ordinances and the manufacturer’s recommended practices for additional information. Be sure to take your neighbors/neighboring businesses' windows, vents and doors into account when positioning your generator. The exhaust from a generator can build up [carbon monoxide](https://www.travelers.com/resources/home/safety/how-to-prevent-carbon-monoxide-poisoning "Tips to Help Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning") (CO) – a colorless, odorless toxic gas – that can cause severe illness or even death. - Maintain a clear space of three to four feet on all sides and above the generator to allow for proper ventilation. - Help safeguard your home or business by installing CO alarms that are battery-operated or plug-in/hardwired with battery backup. Be sure to routinely test them and replace batteries as recommended by the manufacturer. ## Refuel safely You should always use caution when refueling your portable generator. There is a risk of fire or getting burned because of the nature of the task. Follow these safety tips to ensure you properly refuel your generator. - Shut down your generator and allow it to cool completely before refueling. Gasoline, kerosene or other fuels used to run generators can ignite if spilled on hot engine parts. - Do not try to refuel a generator while it is running. - Make sure all generator fuels are stored and transported in approved containers. - Fuels should not be stored in or near your house or business. They should be stored in a separate, well-ventilated area or in an approved flammable liquids storage cabinet. - Do not smoke around fuel containers or while refueling your generator. **For more tips about safeguarding and protecting your home, contact [gatewayinsurancenetwork.com](http://www.gatewayinsurancenetwork.com)** ## Share This - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gatewayinsurancenetwork.com%2Fblog%2F2025%2F08%2F04%2Fhome-generator-safety.md) - [Twitter](https://twitter.com/share?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gatewayinsurancenetwork.com%2Fblog%2F2025%2F08%2F04%2Fhome-generator-safety.md&text=Home+Generator+Safety) - [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gatewayinsurancenetwork.com%2Fblog%2F2025%2F08%2F04%2Fhome-generator-safety.md&title=Home+Generator+Safety) - [Email](mailto:?subject=Home+Generator+Safety&body=Thought+you+might+be+interested...%0A%0AHome+Generator+Safety%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.gatewayinsurancenetwork.com%2Fblog%2F2025%2F08%2F04%2Fhome-generator-safety.md) ## Insurance Quotes **Give us some info and we'll help you find the best coverage options!** [Request a Quote](/quotes) ## Insurance Partners [Travelers — Progressive — GEICO — Foremost Insurance — Bristol West — Barton Mutual — National General Insurance — The Hartford — Hagerty — Guard — Employers — AIG — Pie Workmans Comp Insurance — Dairyland — Sentry Insurance — Aetna — Humana — Mutual of Omaha — Gerber Life Insurance — Bestow Term Life Insurance — Mass Mutual — Palomar Specialty — Colonial Bond and Insurance Co. — North American — Personal Umbrella — Openly — TransAmerica — Breeze Disability Insurance — Banner Life — Savings Bank Life Insurance — John Hancock Life Insurance](/insurance-companies) ## Contact Us **Contact our office for more information!** [Contact Us](/contact) ## Connect Online - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/myadvisor1) - [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-hammor-b4a3818b/) - [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/gatewayinsurancenetwork/) - [Yelp](https://www.yelp.com/biz/gateway-insurance-network-desloge) - [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJa4J5alsdC0arNuPazqy7Q) ## Customer Reviews **You don't have to take our word for it, check out what our customers say about us!** [Reviews & Testimonials](/reviews-testimonials) * * * [Blog Feed](/blog/feed.xml) * * * [All Blog Articles](/blog) ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https://www.gatewayinsurancenetwork.com/blog/2025/08/04/home-generator-safety#blogposting","url":"https://www.gatewayinsurancenetwork.com/blog/2025/08/04/home-generator-safety","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.gatewayinsurancenetwork.com/blog/2025/08/04/home-generator-safety#webpage"},"headline":"Home Generator Safety","datePublished":"2025-08-04T05:00:00Z","dateModified":"2025-08-04T22:55:42Z","description":"How to use a portable generator safely when you lose power at home during a Missouri storm","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.gatewayinsurancenetwork.com/#organization","name":"Gateway Insurance Network"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.gatewayinsurancenetwork.com/#organization","name":"Gateway Insurance Network"}},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.gatewayinsurancenetwork.com/#organization","url":"https://www.gatewayinsurancenetwork.com/","name":"Gateway Insurance Network"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.gatewayinsurancenetwork.com/#webpage","url":"https://www.gatewayinsurancenetwork.com/","name":"Home Generator Safety","description":"How to use a portable generator safely when you lose power at home during a Missouri storm"}]} ```